Police in Kakamega are intensifying a manhunt for a suspect believed to be behind a string of ritual-style murders that have claimed over 20 lives within the past month.

The victims mostly night guards have been brutally attacked while on duty, with investigators linking the killings to possible ritualistic practices due to the gruesome nature of the crimes and the fact that nothing is ever stolen from the scenes.

Each attack follows a disturbingly similar pattern: victims are left with deep cuts at the back of their necks, and in some cases, their eyes are gouged out or their genitals severed before their bodies are dumped along nearby roads.

The latest incident occurred on Tuesday night at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in the Jua Kali Township on the outskirts of Kakamega town, where 55-year-old guard Pius Ngwete was found dead with severe neck wounds.

Once again, nothing was stolen.

Reverend Nathan Nyongesa, who lives within the church compound, expressed concern over the rising insecurity in the town.

He revealed that this was the third time in three weeks that guards at the church had been targeted, lamenting the lack of police response despite repeated reports.

"Three of my guards have now been attacked. I’ve reported each case, but no action has been taken. This last one has left me in shock. The church compound has functional security lights and a siren, yet no one heard anything. We only discovered the guard's body in a pool of blood the next morning. Nothing was touched," Nyongesa said.

The attacks did not end there.

On the same night, two more guards stationed at timber yards in the Lurambi area were also attacked. One of them, 55-year-old Allan Shibweke, is currently fighting for his life at Kakamega General Hospital.

Just like in the other incidents, the attackers left without taking anything.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), working closely with officers from the Western Regional Police Headquarters, have reportedly narrowed down their search to one primary suspect believed to be behind the wave of killings.

Western Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud confirmed that CCTV footage captured a man assaulting a guard at a timber yard in Lurambi, and investigators believe he is the mastermind.

“We have solid leads. The suspect was identified and tracked to Shinyalu, but he has since fled the area. We are actively pursuing him,” Mohamud said.

He added that local residents, upon learning of the suspect’s identity, raided his home and removed his belongings, signaling public outrage over the attacks. Police have assured residents that the suspect will be apprehended.

A detective involved in the case, speaking anonymously, disclosed that nearly 30 murders fitting the same profile have been reported across Kakamega County.

The unexplained nature of the killings has left residents gripped with fear and confusion.

Evans Shipwoni, a local resident, said the community has resolved to take security into their own hands.

“We no longer feel safe. The killings are all too similar six out of eight watchmen recently slain were murdered in the exact same way. We need answers. Let the authorities act swiftly to stop this madness,” he said.

Earlier in June, villagers in Mayungu, Lurambi Constituency, woke up to find the body of a young man dumped along the roadside another death now being linked to the suspected serial killer.

As investigations continue, the community remains on edge, demanding urgent action to halt what many believe is a ritualistic killing spree.